Advocacy/Legislation

In response to the recent actions by the DOJ, Williams says “This fight is far from over. Because so many of you were willing to take a stand on these issues, we have gained important allies in DC who are committed to standing with songwriters.”

The US Department of Justice has issued a proposal about ASCAP and BMI’s consent decrees. All of us at ASCAP are deeply disappointed by the proposal – but please know that this is not the final outcome of this process. While we consider all of our options, be assured that this in no way changes your ASCAP membership.

Following ASCAP’s annual Songwriter Advocacy Day in Washington on May 18th, the Songwriter Equity Act (H.R. 1283) picked up two new co-sponsors, Reps. Pete Sessions (R-TX) and Bonnie Watson-Coleman (D-NJ).

On January 5th, the Songwriter Equity Act (H.R. 1283) picked up its first new supporter of 2016, Rep. Scott Tipton (R-CO). Since gaining a handful of backers toward the end of last year, the number of SEA co-sponsors within the House of Representatives has now grown to 35.

During the first week of December, the Songwriter Equity Act (H.R. 1283) gained two additional co-sponsors within the House of Representatives: Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA) and Congressman Cresent Hardy (R-NV).

Rep. Joe Crowley became the 30th member in the House of Representatives to co-sponsor the Songwriter Equity Act. His endorsement comes at a time when the bill has gained backing in both congressional chambers over the past several weeks.

On October 8th, ASCAP held a meeting in Atlanta, GA with several local songwriters and composers to discuss legislative developments. The meeting was a follow-up to a gathering hosted by NE-YO last May, which featured Representatives Doug Collins (R-GA) and Hank Johnson (D-GA).